Acting AG Whitaker gets cool reception from Trump

ERIC TUCKER and JONATHAN LEMIRE AP, 12:21 AM WASHINGTON (AP) — At week’s end, Matthew Whitaker’s future at the helm of the Justice Department appeared uncertain at best as President Donald Trump denied even knowing the man he had named acting attorney general just two days earlier. The Senate’s top Republican predicted a permanent replacement could be named soon for Whitaker, who is now overseeing the Trump-Russia probe. The comments from Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell came as Whitaker’s past business ties and remarks on special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation and other topics were drawing scrutiny from Democrats and ethics groups. Speaking to reporters Friday, Trump said, “I don’t know Matt Whitaker.” That contradicted Trump’s remarks on Fox News last month, when he called Whitaker “a great guy” and said, “I mean, I know Matt Whitaker.” Late Friday, Whitaker was still on his mind. Trump said in a tweet that Whitaker was “a highly respected former U.S. Attorney from Iowa” chosen by just-ousted Attorney General Jeff Sessions to be his chief of staff. But Trump emphasized again that he did not know Whitaker. He also said Whitaker was well regarded by various Iowa Republican leaders and added: “I feel certain he will make an outstanding Acting Attorney General!” McConnell, meanwhile, said, “I think this will be a very interim AG.” Another Republican senator, Susan Collins of Maine, said she was concerned by some of Whitaker’s past comments and called for legislation that would place limits on his… [Read full story]